Home Country: Qatar
Course: BSc Physics with Astrophysics
Department: Physics and Astronomy
"Walking to lectures under the soaring clock tower - Old Joe - surrounded by the leafy greenery and contrasting redbrick architecture… it is truly a privilege to study in such a picturesque environment!"
Why did you apply to the University of Birmingham?
As an Afro-Arab Muslim who lives in the Middle East and attended an American curriculum school, the diversity and inclusivity present in UK higher education institutions are what drew me in from the start. The opportunity to receive a world-class education from top researchers is also another factor in my decision to study in the UK. Furthermore, compared to universities in Qatar, the UK has a much wider physics course selection along with a higher calibre of educational facilities.
What are the best points of your course?
Being taught by academics who are global experts in their field is definitely one of the best parts of my course. As a result, the excellent quality of teaching definitely shines through in this course, both in the classroom and in the lab.
What’s the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?
The best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham would definitely have to be the beautiful campus. Walking to lectures under the soaring clock tower - Old Joe - surrounded by the leafy greenery and contrasting redbrick architecture… it is truly a privilege to study in such a picturesque environment!
What's the highlight of your time here so far?
The highlight of my time here would definitely be Fresher’s Week. Meeting so many people from different cultures and backgrounds was an unforgettable experience. Although it was quite a hectic week, it gave me the opportunity to attend various events on campus and get into university life.
What advice would you give to other international students?
Make sure you make an effort to really step out of your comfort zone. Try new things - join a society, try a sport, or volunteer! There’s definitely no shortage of things to get involved with at university, so make the most out of your time here! It might feel scary at first, but it is definitely worth it in the long-run in terms of the connections you make, the skills you gain, and the experiences you have.
What do you like most about the city?
I absolutely love how multicultural and diverse Birmingham is, which is one of the main reasons I chose to study here. Also, Birmingham is a big city with lots of shops and restaurants, so there is always something to do!
How do you feel you have benefitted from the experience of studying in the UK?
My experience studying in the UK has taught me to become more independent and self-reliant. It has also helped me grow and develop as a person by forcing me to take on more responsibilities. Furthermore, studying at a British university with such a creative and challenging environment has really helped me push myself to the extreme.